MPEG, OTT, H.265 – What Does It All Mean?

To explore the future of video and television formats, book your tickets to Amsterdam now, and head for that city?s RAI Convention Centre for IBC 2010. Now is the time to speak up for standards in digital television technology. No one wants another Betamax experience. The latest information will be presented in the form of an MPEG Industry Forum [MPEGIF] Master Class. The topic is New Moves in Video Compression and Future of Over the Top Television.

MPEGIF, a non profit organization dedicated to the widespread adoption and deployment of MPEG and related standards in next generation digital media services, provides a forum on relevant technological, economic and regulatory issues.

On September 13, industry experts and leaders involved in next generation digital television, multimedia and video entertainment will converge to discuss the future at IBC 2010.

Already, Video on Demand, High Definition, Start Over and other time shifted applications have challenged the television industry. New concepts are continually popping up – TV Everywhere, Over The Top [OTT] television. Of course, we know 3D is breathing down the necks of television executives. MPEGIF strives to clarify the vision of the future and aggressively proposes adoption of standards before it all gets out of hand.

MPEG-4 AVC [H.264] has succeeded MPEG-2 as the video compression technology of choice. Soon, the experts say, we will be looking at simulations of H.265 [HEVC or High Efficiency Video Coding]. It is a new codec that provides another 50 percent. This puts the perplexing question before service operators – should they upgrade to MPEG-4, or wait for the new technology? The attendees will also look at 3D remaining with frame compatible technology or going to the new MVC standard.

As broadband gets connected to the central display device in your living room, will the operators curtail OTT by limiting byte consumption and bandwidth tiering? Service operators are becoming full media companies by acquiring content, broadening competition. Over the Top should be a lively topic of discussion.

Sharing their perspectives and experiences are technologists and executives. Prof. Dr. h. c. Sebastian Moeritz, President of MPEGIF and Professor at the St. Petersburg State University for Film and Television lauds the forum: "MPEG Standards were, are and always will be the guarantors of progress for advanced television technologies and IBC is the perfect platform for our members to demonstrate their latest products and solutions."

David Price, Vice President of MPEGIF and Vice President at Harmonic, voices concerns: "…the increasing availability of broadband will enable new distribution models. But how they will be controlled and monetized is still in a chaotic state."

If you prefer to walk around and see the latest technology, 1,300 exhibitors will be on hand to show off their wares. In the category "3D" two pages of companies are listed, including one with the intriguing name Blackmagic Design. Digital media training workshops are also offered. Stephen Rivkin, editor of Avatar will speak. Sessions address attendees who are well into working with TV, video, film and motiongraphics. They will focus on digital video production techniques as well as post production using Apple, Avid, and Adobe creative software tools.